MAS IGNEUS is a Catalan expression that can be translated as “House of Ignition,” accurately reflecting the essence of the creation of this unique and peculiar cigar. Named for Luciano’s partner and award winning winery located in the Priorat, Spain, Mas Igneus was launched in four different sizes at the 2022 PCA Trade Show.
This collaboration between the cigar manufacturer and the prestigious wine producer is not new. In late 2021, Luciano had previously announced the launch of a wine produced by Mas Igneus for the Luciano – The Dreamer cigar.
The MAS IGNEUS blend features:
- Wrapper – Corojo 98 Ecuadorian High Prime
- Binder – Brazilian
- Filler – Nicaraguan
The Mas IGNEUS is expressed in 4 vitolas each packaged in 20-count boxes:
| SHORT ROBUSTO | 4 ½ x 50 | $11.95 |
| TORO | 6 x 52 | $12.45 |
| ANCHO | 5 x 54 | $12.95 |
| EXCELENTE | 6 x 60 | $13.45 |
Luciano Meirelles, president and co-founder of Luciano Cigars exclaimed:
“We are thrilled with all of our joint projects. Blending a cigar and winemaking are independently captivating processes, but to work jointly on this, it’s simply been a remarkable journey. Ace Prime and Mas Igneus have created the ultimate pairing experience: defined by elements that stand independently perfectly as well. Searching for a balanced PH in the combined leaves was an interesting journey to say the least… Its balanced PH makes it possible to also pair with dense wines such Malbecs, Cabernet Sauvignon, Granaches, Shiraz and Bordeaux” –
After being friends for several years, the owners of Mas Igneus, Ornella Valcke, Jerome Valcke and Luciano Meirelles became partners of Mas Igneus Winery. In the heart of Priorat, Mas Igneus is located in one of the most exclusive wine-growing regions in the world, just 80 miles North of Barcelona, Spain.
WSAT Sommelier and Co-Founder of Mas Igneus Ornella Valcke stated:
“At Mas Igneus, our goal is to bottle every wine with passion, dedication, and confidence in what we’ve created. To find that same commitment with Luciano, in creating what is not only an independently innovative cigar, but something that can be paired with our wines is priceless.”
For this review I sampled 4 Luciano Cigars MAS IGNEUS Short Robustos which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Luciano Cigars MAS IGNEUS is a dark brown and marbled cigar that is packed tight and solid from head to foot. There are a few noticeable veins running through the wrapper and the cigar exhibits a light oily sheen. A well applied double cap finishes the presentation.
Running the cigar across the nose, I picked up a mild floral note along the barrel and and touch of earthiness off the foot.
Using my CigarMedics Baller cutter, I opened the cap and gave it some cold draw puffs that I found to be decent from a restriction perspective. The draw offered a nice cheek warming cayenne red pepper flake note and some earthiness.
Two bands adorn the cigar. The primary band uses an artful depiction of the name Mas Igneus using the an integrate letter “M” and “i” in light gold on a black background. The secondary band is placed under the primary and declares this as the “MAS iGNEUS” in black on the same light gold background.
Using my double flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of early peppery spice to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial light offers some early peppery spice with notes of dry fruit sweetness
- Light grey ash forms on top of a medium thick wavy char line
- Caramel aroma wafts off the foot
- Vanilla and fruit notes evolve balancing out the blend
- Ash fell in a decent chunk, revealing a flat but centered burn cone
- Dark chocolate appears midway
- Mild raisin fruit notes join the mix
- Hint of spice enters with a continued dark chocolate core
- Vanilla swirls back in
- Spice notes take it to the final with an added almond nuance
- Medium Plus in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes
Final Analysis
Over the years I have come to really appreciate the craft coming from Luciano Meirelles, whether is it ACE Prime or now Luciano Cigars. The man understands flavor and how the palate works. His blends have always excited the senses and the MAS IGNEUS was a great example of his craft and blending techniques. This cigar had a well balanced array of flavors that transitioned well and I especially enjoyed the Dark Chocolate notes that formed midway and formed a delectable core after a nice dose of peppery spice and dry fruit sweetness. This is one of those cigars that keep your palate salivating and when that happens you tend to pick up more flavor nuances which is exactly what happed through the journey. Smoke it to the nub and you too will be treated with a touch of almond to end the journey. Grab a box of these, and man, let some age, as I have done with other Luciano craft and was happy I did so. I rate this one a 95.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wavy Burn; (-1) Flat Burn Cone
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy; (+1) Balanced and Pleasurable across Multiple Samples; (+1) Complex and Nuanced Profile
